AVERAGE RATING

&quot;Come join us in singing the praises of Zion&

by Jim D. on 12/20/2009

I know the &quot;Old American Songs&quot; were originally set for solo voice, and I have recordings of Copland accompanying Warfield (the original soloist), and conducting the orchestral version. But I first learned these pieces as a member of a chorus, singing them, so that's my favorite arrangement, though the least common. On this disc, the St James Singers are terrific: the first time I played it, I couldn't believe the speed at which they perform &quot;Ching-a-Ring Chaw.&quot; The famous &quot;Simple Gifts&quot; is here, and &quot;By the River&quot;; I really like the ballad &quot;Long Time Ago,&quot; too. Just the songs would have been worth the modest cost of this recording, but it also includes an orchestral suite from the opera 'The Tender Land' (with the tune of &quot;Zion's Walls&quot; again) and the rather strange piano concerto (well-played, just not my cuppa).
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